The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers
Peru, south-america
30 km
4,472 m
moderate
Year-round
Abra Tsactsapunta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,472m (14,671ft) above sea level, located in the Yungay Province of Peru.
The pass is located in the Ancash Region, in the western part of the country, high in the Cordillera Blanca range.
The road through the pass is 30km (19 miles) long, running north-south from Cruz de Mayo to Huacho.
The road to the pass is not easy. It’s unpaved, with loose rocks, unprotected by guardrails, featuring dangerous drops and about 30 hairpin turns. The weather is always a concern, as the area is often covered in fog.
The road is pretty remote, so it’s better to travel accompanied. In perfect weather, a high-clearance vehicle is required, and a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.3203, -74.2341
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,472 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.3203, -74.2341
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Pichachén Pass?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Chile-Argentina border, high in the Andes, at a cool 6,768 feet above sea level. This is Paso Internacional Pichachén, and it's a wild ride! We're talking about a 111-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt road connecting the Biobío Region in Chile with Argentina's Neuquén Province. Known locally as Cajon del Pichachen or Boquete de Antuco, this route (Ruta CH-5 in Chile and Ruta Provincial 6 in Argentina) is seriously twisty and will put your driving skills to the test. Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round joyride. Mother Nature often shuts it down in the winter due to, well, pretty much zero maintenance. Expect crazy temperature changes too – scorching sun during the day, but bundle up for freezing nights. But hey, with views like these, who's complaining?
extremeAbra Suijo-Laguna Suyoc
🇵🇪 Peru
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra Suijo (aka Abra Suyoc), a lung-busting pass that tops out at a dizzying 15,439 feet in central Peru. You'll find it by taking Carretera 120. Now, the road itself is…an experience. It's generally maintained, so a high-clearance 2WD *might* make it in dry conditions, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. Expect river crossings and a seriously steep climb that will have your engine screaming. Don't let that scare you off, though! This is raw, remote Peru at its finest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of snow-capped peaks to the east, and near the summit, a string of shimmering lakes appear like mirages. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities. Patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. Oh, and that altitude? Brutal! Most people start feeling the effects around 8,000-9,000 feet. The air gets thin, the climb is relentless, and your body will be begging for mercy. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
extremeWhere is Tacora Volcano?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, practically spitting distance from Peru, lies the mighty Volcan Tacora. This northernmost volcano of Chile isn't just a pretty face; it's an active one, simmering with fumaroles and hints of past eruptions. Now, the real kicker? A crazy mining road claws its way up this beast, all the way to a staggering 5.590m (18,339ft)! Yeah, you read that right—it's one of the highest drives you can find in South America. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a rugged, unpaved climb, a true test for you and your 4x4. Picture this: 18.6 km (11.55 miles) from Chislluma packed with endless hairpin turns, stomach-dropping cliffs, and an average gradient of 7.02%. It's not for the faint of heart, but the views? Absolutely insane! You'll find sulfur mines dotting the landscape between Tacora and Chupiquiña, and you might even spot some hot springs bubbling on the eastern side. Get ready for an Andean adventure you won't soon forget.
extremeDriving the remote 4x4 road to Pura Pura Pass in La Paz Department
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso Pura Pura in Bolivia's La Paz Department! This bad boy climbs to a dizzying 4,669m (15,318ft), so get ready for thin air and breathtaking views. You'll find it nestled near the Peruvian border in Franz Tamayo Province, right inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve, with the Pura Pura lagoon as its namesake. Forget smooth sailing - this "Camino a Puina" is a wild, unpaved ride. Expect a rollercoaster of tight turns, narrow squeezes, and seriously steep sections that will test your driving skills. The hairpins near the top are particularly gnarly. It's remote, rugged, and requires a trusty 4x4 to conquer its 15.61km (9.7 miles) stretch between Rhity Apacheta Pass and Puina. The scenery? Absolutely epic!